Apia International School to Open in 2019

More schooling options are coming online with the planned opening of Apia International School in January 2019. This is thanks to high speed internet via the Tui Moana fibre optic cable linking Samoa to the world.

Apia International School is an innovative approach to secondary education. It will be a learning hub for students to study at online high schools by distance education. The School is a parent-led initiative to provide more educational choices for families in Samoa.

Fiona Ey, one the parents establishing the School, is excited about the plans.

“The Apia International School is a new way for school students to continue their high school studies in Samoa. It is modeled on international correspondence schools elsewhere in the Pacific,” she said.

“The school will be Samoa’s first “Bring Your Own Device” school. It will offer a digital learning environment that is unique in Samoa. Students would learn in an environment where ICT is integrated into every aspect of their studies, better equipping them for life in the modern world.”

In explaining how the school delivers the online learning, Ms. Ey said the students will enrol with their chosen accredited online high schools based overseas.

They will be able to study curriculum from New Zealand, Australia or the United States, delivered online in Samoa. Students will attend Apia International School to learn in a supportive learning environment with their peers. The School will have structured school hours and supervision by local teachers.

Students at Apia International School will also have “real world” educational experiences in Samoan culture, sport and creative arts.

“We are very excited that our teaching staff will be led by Marj Moore who is a well known educator in the community. She is a New Zealand trained teacher with teaching experience in Australia, New Zealand and Samoa. Marj is passionate about education, children and technology in the education sector,” said Ms. Ey.

“We are grateful for the support shown to the School initiative by the Government, particularly the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. We are working in partnership with MESC to broaden the learning opportunities in Samoa and to maximize the use of technology in the education sector.”

Ms. Moore said the Apia International School is an exciting initiative for Samoa.

“I am looking forward to working with Papali’i Momoe Malietoa von Reiche who will be delivering classes in Samoan culture and creative arts. This is an important counterpoint for our students to be grounded in the local community alongside their online learning. That way our students have a solid foundation in their identity and culture,” Ms. Moore said.

Apia International School is holding an Information Day on Saturday 8 September at the Kip McGrath Centre, Motootua from 2-4pm. Limited places are available and enrolments will be made on a first come basis. For enquiries, please call Fiona on7530363 or Marj on 7516766.